St Bede's Catholic Primary School, Washington
Washington, NE37 2NP · Sunderland · primary school
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21st of 73 primary schools in Sunderland we can score, 81 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 7.9/10 against 4,250 of them, against 7.9/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 80.0 · 88 | 40% | 3.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Bede's Catholic Primary School, Washington overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 80.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 10.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (7.9 out of 10 either way). Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Chess, Nurture, LEGO, and Recorder Clubs, as well as Football with SAFC, Multi-skills, and Tennis Clubs. Music options include Rocksteady, Guitar, and Keyboard. The school offers a trip to Kirkley Hall Zoo and provides an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 204 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the curriculum support pupils who reach the higher standard in maths? What does a typical day look like for a child in the Nurture Club?
What Ofsted said about St Bede's Catholic Primary School, Washington
Overview
Leaders and staff have created a “welcoming, nurturing and friendly environment” where pupils are happy, feel safe, and behave well. The school is “ambitious for what pupils can achieve,” with a well-thought-out curriculum that reflects high expectations, resulting in pupils working hard and achieving well.
Strengths
- The school motto “in Christ’s kindness…we learn, we pray, we belong” prevails, fostering kindness and respect among pupils.
- Classrooms are “calm and orderly,” with staff modelling high behavioural expectations.
- The new curriculum is “ambitious for all,” including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- There is a “clear programme for teaching phonics” taught with consistency, ensuring most pupils keep up.
- Pupils develop personally through opportunities like residential visits, sports festivals, and community fundraising.
Areas to improve
- The school should further embed the new curriculum to address “remaining gaps in their knowledge” from the previous curriculum, ensuring pupils fully acquire subject knowledge.
- The school needs to implement and embed the intended reading curriculum beyond phonics so that all pupils “read widely and foster a love of reading.”
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 70% |
| 2023/24 | 62% |
| 2024/25 | 80% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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